Taught course
Music (Performance)
Entry requirements
You'll need a 2:2 degree in Music or a related subject.
For the Performance pathway, you'll need to submit samples of recorded performance. These should be 2 to 3 contrasting pieces for a total of 20 to 30 minutes, showing your technical proficiency and interpretive ability. You must be able to read at sight and learn pieces quickly.
Months of entry
September
Course content
About this Course
The MMus Music (Performance) programme is designed to expand your knowledge and skills in musical performance across a broad range of genres, including classical, jazz, pop, opera, and musical theatre. It offers you the opportunity to specialize and receive advanced training to become a stronger, better-informed professional musician. You will study:
- The technique, history, and repertoire of your instrument or voice.
- Principles and presentation skills of performance.
- Key skills in music performance and research.
- Key skills in performance teaching.
The course provides intensive one-to-one tuition from academic staff who are internationally noted performers, established composers, and musicologists.
Key Features and Structure
- Final Recital: The Performance pathway culminates in the final goal of a professional recital.
- Broad Specialism: The MMus has four specialist pathways (Performance, Composition, Musicology, Music Education). You can mix your Performance modules with topics from other pathways (like Film Music Composition, Global Music Industries, or Performance Teaching) to personalize your curriculum.
- Practical Focus: The teaching methods are highly practical, including one-to-one instrumental or vocal lessons, and performance-based group activities.
- State-of-the-Art Venue: Students have access to and opportunities to perform in the Turner Sims concert hall.
- Distinctive Module Options: You can choose modules focused on professional development and community engagement, such as Music in the Community with Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra or Performance Teaching.
- Structure: This is a 12-month full-time master's degree. The final three months are dedicated to preparing and executing your professional recital.
Career Prospects
The programme prepares graduates for professional careers requiring a high level of performance skill, critical awareness, and professionalism:
- Professional Performer/Freelance Musician (solo or ensemble).
- Teacher (specializing in instrumental or vocal performance).
- Working in the music industry or wider cultural sector.
- Further Research at a doctoral level (PhD).
Further Information
- Award: Master of Music (MMus)
- The application requires a recorded ""live"" performance sample with no added post-production (no vocal 'comping' or extensive editing), ensuring the submission accurately reflects the applicant's unedited performance ability.
Information for international students
If English is not your first language, you will need to demonstrate your English is at a level of our band C: IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in all components. For more information on accepted English Language tests, please see our website.
Fees and funding
A variety of scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations. Please check the website for more information - https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/funding/postgraduate.page
Qualification, course duration and attendance options
- MMus
- part time24 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
- full time12 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
Course contact details
- Name
- Faculty of Arts and Humanities
- enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
- Phone
- +44(0)23 8059 5000